Good morning everyone,

I am looking to do charity work for one year straight. Starting in February of 2024 my job is giving me a years salary to go do charity work of any sort.

So my question is, what kind of charity needs help around central Pennsylvania, USA?

I know there are soup kitchens and some popular ones like Habitat for Humanity, but how do I help the ones that might not have as many people helping them?

I apologize if this isn’t the correct place to post this, I’m still very new to Lemmy.

Thank you

  • jubilationtcornpone@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    If I had the time, I would volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). What’s a “court appointed special advocate” you ask? Well, when kids go through the family court system, often because they’ve been removed from their home for their own welfare, entered the foster care system, etc. the court assigns them an “advocate”. The advocate’s job is to build a rapport with the child, check in with them regularly, appear with them in court, keep the court updated on how things are going, and even make recommendations to the judge regarding the child’s care. As an advocate, you represent the child and only the child. You get to be a voice for them in this process.

    It’s a hard job and it can require a strong stomach. Kids who wind up in the court system have often been through hell. Some of the things you’ll see and hear are awful and will make you feel sad or angry. Some people can be incredibly cruel even to their own children. I’d like to do this myself at some point because I think if I were able to help make even one kids life a little better, it would be worth it.

    • Zyrinth@sh.itjust.worksOP
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      1 year ago

      Oh my gosh, I’m surprised that I didn’t even think of this! This is toss up between Peace Corp and this! Honestly, I’m more interested in this but I’d hate to do this only for a year or so. I’d feel like I’d get sucked into it. Thank you, I’ll see if this is something I can qualify for.